Published on August 12, 2009.

A separation of both time and distance has led to most every major culture and ideological clash in history.

While these differences have done in collaborations varying in strength from the Holy Roman Empire to long-distance relationships, it’s not always necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it works to the benefit of creativity.

For the four men that make up Iconic Potter, an until recently local East Lansing band, they’ve taken the distance and turned it into an asset for making music all their own. Comprised of guitarist and vocalist Max Schwanz, an earth science sophomore; guitarist Joe Davey, an African history doctoral student; bassist Adam Pallack, a Cooley Law School senior; and drummer Ted Mitchell, a Columbus, Ohio, resident and fifth-year urban history doctoral student. The State News recently sat down with the East Lansing half of Iconic Potter and discussed their formation, the difficulties of distance and their love of making music.

The State News How did you guys get started?

Joe Davey The drummer, Ted Mitchell, and myself met back last fall. We’re both in the Ph.D. program in the history department. He said he was thinking about putting a new project together and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. We met the bassist, Adam Pallack, over a Craig’s List ad. A few months later, we went looking for a vocalist and found Max playing over at the Small Planet doing an acoustic set. We all got together and started jamming and it meshed.

SN How would you describe your sound?

Max Schwanz It’s basically rock, but the roots of all the songs are that three different people are bringing their influences together, along with the drummer. It comes together as different sounds but for the same purpose.

JD It’s an interesting, eclectic mix because there’s quite a differentiation in age. The drummer is 31, I’m 25 and Max is 21. In the choruses especially, there are a lot of elements of early ’90s alt-rock because three of us grew up during that phase. Max definitely brings a more blues element. He’s got a Jason Mraz/John Mayer vibe to his music.

SN Is it difficult to stay together being so spread out all over the country?

MS Joe and I will be around the area for a while. We’re going to be in touch with Ted. He’s such a great aspect of the band that we don’t want to lose him. We’re going to make some trips down to Ohio and hopefully play a few shows down there.

JD The band plans on staying together on some level. The goal is to keep the original four together in some capacity even though we’re really far away.

SN So, is this a transitional period for Iconic Potter?

JD Definitely.

MS I couldn’t have said it any better.